Romelu Lukaku’s return to Chelsea has not gone as planned so far, with the forward having struggled to make the desired impact at Stamford Bridge.
Lukaku’s arrival in a £97.5m club record deal from Inter Milan was viewed as a transfer that could turn Chelsea from challengers into champions, but the Belgium international has scored just five league goals during a disappointing campaign.
The 28-year-old left out of the starting side for the Carabao Cup final last week and speculation continues to surround a potential exit for Lukaku this summer.
So for those of you who like to gamble online with great sites like ufabet, we’ve decided to look at how the bookmakers assess Lukaku’s potential destinations.
Real Madrid – 16/1
Real Madrid are in the market for reinforcements this summer and expected to invest in the squad, with the signing of at least one centre-forward high on the club’s agenda.
Kylian Mbappe is the club’s leading target and expected to complete a free transfer move from Paris Saint-Germain, whilst Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Haaland – who has a €75m release clause that will soon become active – is also on the Spanish side’s radar ahead of the summer window.
Thierry Henry questions Chelsea's decision to bring Romelu Lukaku back to the club ???? pic.twitter.com/7fKcPwO1m2
— GOAL (@goal) February 24, 2022
Lukaku mentioned Real Madrid as one of three clubs – alongside Bayern Munich and Barcelona – at the ‘top level’ during his controversial interview with Sky Sports Italia earlier this season, but interest from the La Liga side looks unlikely given their interest in other targets.
It would take a remarkable turn of events for Real to turn their attentions towards Chelsea’s frustrated forward.
Newcastle – 16/1
Almost every footballer with an ounce of talent has been linked, or will be linked, with Newcastle this summer.
The Magpies spent £90m on a raft of new additions in January as the club’s billionaire backing invested in the squad, though that was likely minimal to what awaits in the summer should the club avoid relegation.
Newcastle’s signings were limited to players willing to gamble on the Magpies’ perilous position, but having risen to 14th following a seven-game unbeaten run things are beginning to look rosier at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe will have a significant war-chest to invest should Newcastle survive as the ambitious new regime look upwards, with marquee arrivals expected in the North East.
Lukaku would certainly represent a statement of intent, but it remains to be seen whether the 28-year-old would be tempted by a project that will need time at this stage of his career.
Paris Saint-Germain – 14/1
Paris Saint-Germain could enter the market for a centre-forward this summer, with Kylian Mbappe appearing set to leave Paris to sign for Real Madrid.
With Mauro Icardi’s future also uncertain, the Parisians could target Lukaku to bolster their forward ranks.
Lukaku would provide a proven replacement for Mbappe and offer a focal point for PSG, whilst a move to Ligue 1 would give the Belgium international a chance to compete for major trophies both domestically and in Europe.
Having failed to find his groove at Chelsea, the prospect of Lionel Messi and Neymar providing the supply line would surely appeal to Lukaku.
Tottenham – 12/1
Tottenham are 12/1 second-favourites to sign Lukaku, in what would be a shock deal between the two London rivals.
Tottenham and Chelsea have rarely done direct business, but the presence of Antonio Conte at Spurs and uncertainty surrounding Harry Kane’s future makes a move potentially feasible.
Lukaku starred under the guidance of Conte at Inter Milan, scoring 64 goals in just 95 appearances across two seasons and being named as Serie A’s Most Valuable Player in 2020/21.
Kane was subject of interest from Manchester City last summer and should that be renewed, his potential departure would free up significant transfer funds and a leave gaping hole in the Spurs attack.
Inter Milan – 8/1
Lukaku discussed his love for Inter Milan during that controversial interview with Sky Sports Italia, admitting he is ‘always thinking about’ Milan and hailing the club’s supporters as ‘the best in the world’.
The Belgium international enjoyed the best period of his career across two seasons with the Nerazzuri, eclipsing Ronaldo Nazario to become the fastest player in Inter Milan history to score 50 goals in all competitions.
Lukaku’s goals fired Inter to a drought-breaking Serie A title in 2020/21, with his struggles at Chelsea perhaps leaving the Belgian with a sense of regret at leaving the San Siro.
Having often found himself as a target for criticism in the Premier League, Lukaku was a firm favourite at Inter Milan and it would surprise few to see a return materialise.
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